The programme examined the evolving role of research within film schools at a moment of profound change. Discussions centred on artistic and practice-based research, on the structures and frameworks that support (or constrain) it, and on the potential of interdisciplinary and international collaboration – and, of course, AI. Participants also reflected on the relationship between theory and practice, and on how research can help our institutions respond to a rapidly shifting environment. The contributions offered a wide range of perspectives. They spanned the reclaiming of the notion of prestige, the risk that research becomes mainstreamed in the process of gaining academic recognition, and the epistemic value of care, opening up questions that many participants will carry back into their own institutions.
The increasingly important question of how research under political and economic pressure means can succeed was central to the 2nd day of the conference. The meeting closed with an inspiring final session that brought together artificial and artistic research (see below), connecting current technological developments with the questions of creative practice that lie at the heart of our schools.
Beyond the conference sessions, participants enjoyed site visits at Studio Babelsberg and the German Film and Television Academy Berlin (dffb). We are very grateful to both partners for their generous hospitality and for offering such valuable insights into their work.
Our thanks also go to GEECT for their generous support, to everyone who contributed to making these days so productive, and to La Fémis for the excellent collaboration in organising the meeting. A documentation of the event will be made available in due course.
